Summary
Bulky waste refers to large, discarded items that are typically too big or heavy to be handled through regular waste collection services. This waste category often includes items such as furniture, appliances, construction wastes, End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), and End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs).
The PacWaste Plus Regional project on Bulky Waste specifically focused on the management of ELVs and ELTs, recognising these as priority waste streams due to limited resources within the region to effectively manage these materials, and the environmental and health hazards and challenges it poses. By targeting these materials, the project aims to empower Pacific Island countries to adopt safe and sustainable approaches to bulky waste management.
Challenges in managing the identified waste stream are highlighted following:
Managing ELVs in the Pacific presents significant challenges due to the region’s limited infrastructure and resources for proper dismantling and disposal. Many Pacific Island countries face difficulties to safely remove hazardous materials such as oils, batteries, and heavy metals from ELVs. The lack of clear legislation and enforcement mechanisms often leads to the accumulation of abandoned vehicles, contributing to local pollution and land degradation. The remote geography and high costs associated with transporting and processing ELVs further complicate efforts to implement sustainable management solutions, making it a persistent issue for Pacific communities.
Managing ELTs in the Pacific is a significant challenge due to limited facilities and technical capacity for their safe disposal and recycling. Many Pacific Island countries struggle with the accumulation of discarded tyres, which can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes, and pose fire hazards. The absence of specific regulations and enforcement often results in improper stockpiling or dumping of tyres. The high cost and logistical difficulties of transporting bulky tyres to appropriate recycling or disposal centres hinder effective management, making it difficult for Pacific communities to adopt sustainable and safe solutions for ELTs.
Outputs have assisted countries to develop legislation to regulate the handling, disposal, and recycling of ELVs and ELTs, and provided guidelines for the effective management of these products. Where possible, opportunities for repurposing and recycling these materials, promoting sustainable waste management practices and enhance resource recovery across the Pacific region were promoted.
Highlights
The Regional Bulky Waste Project aimed to build stakeholder capacity and provide practical Pacific-specific resources to enable decision-makers to design and implement effective solutions to divert ELTs and ELVs material from disposal in landfill or dumping, and into a beneficial resource to support local recycling or infrastructure projects.
The key activities undertaken in the Regional Bulky Waste Project are outlined in the following table. Further details on the highlights are provided throughout the remainder of this chapter and in the Country project chapters.
Issue | Description |
|---|---|
Identification of Options for utilising End-of-Life tyres in the Pacific | The identification of suitable options for utilising End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) in the Pacific is a critical step towards reducing environmental pollution and promoting resource recovery. Given the unique challenges faced by Pacific Island countries, such as limited recycling infrastructure and high transportation costs, the PacWaste Plus project explores locally appropriate and cost-effective solutions for ELT repurposing. These options include:
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Technical Booklet on Mechanical Processing of End-of-Life Tyres | A technical booklet on the Mechanical Processing of End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) was developed to provide practical guidance for Pacific Island countries on converting waste tyres into reusable resources. The booklet outlines step-by-step processes for shredding, granulating, and separating tyre components such as rubber, steel, and fibre, ensuring that each material can be recovered safely and effectively for secondary use. It includes detailed information on machinery requirements, operational procedures, safety measures, and environmental safeguards to support the establishment and operation of small to medium-scale processing facilities. By presenting best practices and case examples, the booklet equips governments, private operators, and waste managers with the knowledge to implement sustainable solutions that reduce tyre stockpiles, prevent environmental risks, and create opportunities for circular economy applications such as road construction, landscaping, and sports surfaces. |
Technical Booklet on Thermal Processing of End-of-Life Tyres | A technical booklet on the Thermal Processing of End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) was produced to guide Pacific Island countries in exploring energy recovery and material recycling options through controlled thermal technologies. The booklet provides an overview of methods such as pyrolysis, gasification, and controlled incineration, highlighting how these processes can convert waste tyres into valuable outputs including fuel oil, syngas, and recovered carbon black. It details the necessary infrastructure, operational standards, emission control systems, and safety protocols required to ensure that thermal processing is carried out in an environmentally sound and health-conscious manner. The resource also addresses economic considerations, potential energy applications, and case studies of successful models from other regions, enabling decision-makers to assess feasibility and scale solutions to local contexts. By offering clear technical guidance, the booklet supports countries in adopting innovative, sustainable approaches for managing tyre waste while contributing to energy security and circular economy outcomes. |
Technical Booklet on Non-Processing of End-of-Life Tyres | A technical booklet on the Non-Processing of End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) was developed to provide Pacific Island countries with practical options for safely managing tyres in their existing form, without the need for complex processing technologies. The booklet outlines approaches such as controlled storage, safe landfilling in designated cells, and beneficial reuse applications where whole or minimally altered tyres can serve as materials for coastal protection, retaining walls, artificial reefs, playground surfaces, and erosion control. It highlights essential safety and environmental considerations, including vector control, fire prevention, and proper site selection to avoid long-term hazards. The resource also offers guidance on regulatory frameworks, monitoring practices, and examples of successful non-processing applications in small island contexts. By presenting low-cost, accessible solutions, the booklet supports countries with limited infrastructure or resources to reduce stockpiling, mitigate environmental risks, and maximise the practical use of ELTs while progressing toward more advanced recycling pathways in the future. |
Legislative Guideline on Management of End-of-Life Vehicles | The Legislative Guideline on the Management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) was developed to assist Pacific Island countries to establish effective legal frameworks to address the growing challenge of ELV management. The guideline outlines key legislative elements required to regulate the importation, collection, depollution, dismantling, recycling, and disposal of ELVs to prevent environmental contamination and promote resource recovery. The Guideline emphasises the need for clear roles and responsibilities for government agencies, importers, and recyclers, along with the establishment of licensing systems, environmental standards, and monitoring mechanisms. |
Practitioner’s Guideline on Depollution of End-of-Life Vehicles | This guideline provides practical steps and best practices for the safe and effective depollution of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) to minimise environmental and health risks in Pacific Island contexts. Depollution involves the systematic removal and management of hazardous materials and fluids such as fuel, oil, batteries, coolants, refrigerants, mercury switches, and heavy metals before ELVs are dismantled, recycled, or disposed to landfill. The guideline outlines standard procedures for identification, extraction, storage, and disposal of these hazardous components in compliance with regional environmental regulations and international best practices. It prioritises worker safety, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and the implementation of spill prevention measures. |
Depollution of End-of-Life Vehicles Training Manual | The development of this Training Manual on the Depollution of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) is a critical step in building the capacity of Pacific Island countries to manage vehicle waste safely and sustainably. This manual provides practical guidance for practitioners on the safe removal of hazardous components from ELVs, e.g.:
Including information on worker safety, environmental protection, and the use of appropriate tools and personal protective equipment to prevent spills and contamination during depollution activities. |
Pilot of Training on Depollution of End-of-Life Vehicle in Tonga | The facilitation of training on the depollution of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in Tonga represents a significant step towards strengthening the country’s capacity to manage vehicle waste safely and sustainably. Supported under the PacWaste Plus project, this training provided practical, hands-on learning for government officers and private sector practitioners on the safe removal of hazardous components such as oils, fuels, batteries, and refrigerants from ELVs prior to dismantling and recycling. The training emphasised environmental protection, workplace safety, and the use of appropriate depollution techniques and equipment suited to Tonga’s context. By building local technical skills, the training supports Tonga in reducing pollution risks from unmanaged vehicles, protecting soil and water resources, and progressing towards a cleaner, safer environment for its communities. |
Supporting Documents
The following table provides a complete list of all documents developed during the project, including technical guidelines, training materials, reports, and communication resources. Where possible, links to the documents hosted on the SPREP website have been included to enable direct access.